And So It Begins

This year I have set a goal of running a new personal record in the half marathon. It is a lofty goal as my current PR is from eleven years ago. Eleven years ago, I was eleven years younger (funny how that works) but also had eleven years less experience. Since that time I have managed to be very consistent in my running and racing times but I have never gotten even close to that magic number and now I want to get below it. You might be asking if I was so content to sit on my laurels for the last eleven years why I want to do it now. If you are expecting some profound answer, stop reading now. The truth is I challenged my nemesis from high school to run a half marathon and I want to skirt him. I challenge you to find a purer form of motivation;)

Currently there are a few glaringly obvious obstacles in the way of reaching my goal. Firstly, did you read my last post. Rubbing thighs does not bode well for being a lean mean running machine! Secondly, I have gotten complacent and comfortable running at a certain pace. I need to get comfortable being uncomfortable. So with the help of my fancy high tech speedometer I have embarked on the long road to getting faster.

my speedometer, I know I am going faster when she has to run and not look around so much

The other night I ran some half mile repeats, two whole miles worth. I ran them slower than I hope to run the whole 13.1 miles. I have no disillusion that this is going to be easy and even if I reach my goal and run my fastest time to date, it doesn't mean my nemesis won't beat me. Afterall, he has a job that pays him to run and he has young recruits to keep up with! And so my journey down the long road ahead has begun, and you can only finish something that you have started.

Hey Patty, does the frozen tundra of Alberta offer this on a winter evening run?

If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.-Frank A Clark